Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 | Accessories, Celebs, Haute Press, Philanthropy
Rachel Bilson’s Next Role: Jewelry Designer with a Heart
By Jessica
Actress and In Style Magazine Contributing Editor, Rachel Bilson is one of the most influential personas in the fashion sphere. She has become a fixture on the ‘Best-Dressed’ list of major fashion magazines with her impeccable style and immaculate sartorial tastes. So her latest venture as a jewelry designer didn’t exactly come as a surprise, but that doesn’t mean we’re any less thrilled about it.
After a trip to Botswana and South Africa where she learned about the diamond mining industry, the 28-year-old starlet designed a bracelet for the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF). The rustic bracelet ($100) is the perfect accessory for every wrist with its tan leather strings and delicate gold charm with an inset round diamond. Twenty percent of proceeds go to the DEF to build student housing at the CIDA City Campus University in Johannesburg.
For more information, visit In Style.
Images Courtesy of In Style.
—Dyuti Mishra
Saturday, January 30th, 2010 | Accessories, News, Philanthropy
Bijules' Jules Kim is a Real Jewel
By Samantha
Luxury jewelry designer Jules Kim’s line Bijules definitely has people talking, and the second I met Jules I totally understood why. After her recent collection showing at Church Boutique in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to sit down with the designer. Not only does she design a totally rocking collection of baubles, but she has her hand in every pot of the fashion industry, and is really making a name for herself amongst independent designers. Launching her high-end jewelry line 6 years ago, Jules sees the world through “jewelry glasses” and draws inspiration from work experience and life knowledge that is always going through her head.
Jules is no stranger to fashion. She attended Art School in Richmond, Virginia and studied Art History in France. She is a true lover of the arts, and does not discriminate between what is art, and started designing from her DJ background. Jules is also in the works of creating a swimwear line and a diffusion line, alongside her brand consulting business, One Full, with partner Bliss Lau. This jewel is one busy lady who is constantly seeking to defy fashion standards.
The diffusion line was created in part to protect herself against the numerous companies that have been ripping off her designs. It will launch in the Fall, with some eco-friendly pieces and prices will range between $25-$100, which is a great savings from her luxury line, but will be costume jewelry reminiscent of her eponymous high-end collection.
Most recently, Jules has teamed with Keep A Child Alive, donating 10% off sales at in-store events to the charity, which she created an exclusive piece for as well. And for her upcoming Fashion Week and Market Week events, she will be working with Yele to support relief in Haiti. Jules started Bijules on her own, and her giving back is just a testament to the kind of person she is: hardworking, innovative and a true original.
There are many pieces that she reintroduces for each collection, however she is sure to constantly make updates to her jewelry staples, which include bar rings and nail rings. For Fall 2010, Bijules will add Bone hoops, bracelets, chains and rings to the collection. Bones are representative of strength, and in this collection, she drew inspiration from India and Africa. Now, not only can you purchase her jewels in stores internationally or online, you can also custom order a piece from the designer, however, it will cost you. But can you really put a price tag on a one-of-a-kind stunner?
Jules Kim is the face of Bijules, and she has a message to everyone reading this. Whatever you may want to achieve, “in order to be successful, risk everything.” She risked it all, and came out with gold.
For more information, or to shop the collection, visit Bijules.
Friday, January 29th, 2010 | Celebs, Fab Events, Los Angeles, News, Philanthropy
The Story of the Gifting Lounge that Gave Back
By Samantha
During awards season, everyone frequently hears about gifting lounges, which provide the latest and greatest swag to celebrities. The Golden Globes may have passed, but the story of the Madison & Mulholland charity-themed suite is still just as relevant. 
This suite provided something a bit new to famous faces. In the suite, celebrities filled up “swag” bags, to be auctioned off for their personal charities. The bags went up for auction on January 25th at Clothes Off Our Back online. One charity that garnered quite a few celebrity bags is Help for Orphans International, which is helping raise money for disaster relief in Haiti.
Held at a private residence in Beverly Hills, celebrities like Evan Handler, Joe Mantegna, Joan Collins and Shar Jackson showed up to fill up their bags with goodies. Each bag included a personalized item from the celebrity as well, from autographed photos to scripts.
Some of the participating vendors were Judith Leiber, Shakers Vodka, Luggage Forward, Verragio Diamonds, Clutch for Cures and Dara Ettinger Jewelry. Hooray for celebs and charities working together.
Images courtesy of John M. Heller
Thursday, January 28th, 2010 | Fab Events, Fashion, Haute Press, News, Philanthropy
Reese Witherspoon is Unforgettable in Jason Wu
By Jessica
In a stunning strapless Jason Wu dress, Reese Witherspoon makes compassion look ever so fashionable. Always willing to lend her star power for a great cause, the Sweet Home Alabama actress wore Jason Wu’s dress to An Unforgettable Evening Benefiting Entertainment Industry Foundation’s (EIF) Women’s Cancer Research Fund last night in Beverly Hills.
The dress, from Jason Wu’s Pre-Fall 2010 collection, boasts exquisite and delightfully feminine lace detailing along the hem and bodice. Its purposefully-placed black satin belt and elegant draping create a demure, ladylike silhouette.
Reese Witherspoon’s chic peeptoe pumps and sleek locks were the perfect compliments to her fabulous dress. A beauty on the red carpet, Witherspoon attended the fete alongside several celebrities, including Taylor Swift and Olivia Wilde.
To view the entire Pre-Fall 2010 line, visit Jason Wu.
To learn more about EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, visit Entertainment Industry Foundation.
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 | Accessories, Beauty, Celebs, Fashion, Haute Press, News, Philanthropy
The Fashion Community Gives Back to Haiti
By Jessica
Compassion will always be in style. That’s why in an effort to lend a helping hand to Haiti, several retailers have donated proceeds of their sales and designed special edition Haiti-inspired pieces. Here is a list of brands that are dedicating their efforts, time and monies to Haiti earthquake relief. From a Ralph Lauren Haiti Relief Polo shirt to a Unique Vintage umbrella, these pieces will make you look and feel good all at the same time.
1-Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren has joined forces with the United Way to create the Haiti Relief Polo Shirt. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the Haiti Relief Polo Shirt will be donated to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund, an organization that is providing aid to the traumatized nation. Shop Ralph Lauren.
2-The CFDA
The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) designers have created a $25 “Fashion for Haiti” Men’s and Women’s T-shirt, which benefits the Clinton Bush Haiti fund. “The tragedy in Haiti has affected everyone and most of us individually have given money for relief,” said Diane von Furstenberg, CFDA president. “However, I think it is now important to send a message and create a channel for funding from fashion as an industry.” The shirt will be manufactured by Theory. Shop CFDA and the following retailers starting February 12: Carolina Herrera, Devi Kroell, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan International, Elie Tahari, Foley + Corinna, Generra, Giuseppe Zanotti, Intermix, Manolo Blahnik, Nanette Lepore, Ralphlauren.com, Rugby.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, Scoop, Tory Burch, Tracy Reese, Trina Turk and Zero + Maria Cornejo.
3–Alexis Bittar
Alexis Bittar donated 100 percent of sales from the online store to Haiti relief last week, from Monday, January 18th to Friday, January 22nd. The proceeds were donated to Catholic Relief Services for Haiti Relief, which gives 93% of its donations directly to the cause.
4-Diesel
Renzo Rosso (the founder and president of Diesel clothing) donated $250,000 to Yele Haiti, the foundation started by Grammy-award winning musician Wyclef Jean. Renzo says, “I was deeply moved by the horrible tragedy in Haiti. I wanted to do something for the people and support the important work that Wyclef and his foundation have done and are doing for the island nation.”
That’s not all. Rosso’s heart has always been with helping the disadvantaged and that’s why he founded the Only the Brave Foundation in 2008, a non-profit aimed to empower and mobilize youth to end poverty. His donation to Yele Haiti will add up to another pledge to start an Only The Brave/ Yéle Haiti music studio in Cité Soleil, with the goal to use music and video production as a tool for social development.
5-Tracy Reese
Accomplished designer, Tracy Reese, was so deeply touched and moved by the human response to the Haiti crisis that she donated 10% of all the proceeds from the Tracy Reese boutique in Manhattan to American Red Cross during the weekend of January 15th. You can still make a donation directly to the American Red Cross here.
6-Lindsay Lohan’s 6126 Collection
Lindsay Lohan’s 6126 Collection is donating 100% of all the proceeds from the Fame Leggings by 6126 to Save the Children, an organization that is conducting emergency relief distributions in Haiti on a daily basis. The Fame legging comes in Metallic silver and retails for $90 but is $65 for a limited time only. Shop 6126 Collection.
“It is truly horrible what has happened to the people and children in Haiti,” said Lindsay Lohan. “I believe every company should do their part to help by donating what they can. Please help us do our part for the Children of Haiti by purchasing this 6126 legging.”
7-Bond No. 9
From January 14th until February 14th, 10% of the proceeds of the sale of Bond No.9’s Scent of Peace will go to the American Red Cross to assist Haitian communities impacted by the earthquake and provide immediate relief. Shop Bond No.9. Bond No. 9 Scent of Peace is also available in one of four NYC Bond No. 9 stores and Saks Fifth Avenue.
8-Studio Number One
Studio Number One (founded by Shepard Fairey) designed a special edition t-shirt to support relief in Haiti. 100% of the $15 retail price will be donated to the U.S. Fund for Unicef. Shop Café Press.
9-Unique Vintage
Unique Vintage is donating 20% of sales from their uberchic umbrella collection to the American Red Cross from now until the end of January. The umbrellas are $25 each. Shop Unique Vintage.
10-Play Cloths
In an effort to help Haiti, Play Cloths has redesigned their popular Jack T-Shirt with the Haitian flag. The shirt retails for $38 and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Wyclef Jean’s organization, Yele, which is providing immediate relief to devastated Haitian communities. Shop Street Level.
Thursday, January 21st, 2010 | Beauty, Celebs, News, Philanthropy
COVERGIRL Launches Clean Makeup for Clean Water Campaign
By Zoe
On January 5, 2009, COVERGIRL launched their “COVERGIRL Clean Makeup for Clean Water,” campaign with a onetime $500,000 contribution to the Children’s Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) program, an organization dedicated to addressing the critical, global need for clean drinking water.
“COVERGIRL’s generous donation will provide 50 million liters of clean water to children in need around the world, which prevent millions of days of potentially deadly diarrhea and save lives,” says Dr. Greg Allgood, Director, CSDW. “More than 4,000 children die every day from diseases caused by unsafe drinking water.”
Actor Dania Ramirez, the newest spokesmodel for COVERGIRL and the face of COVERGIRL Clean Makeup’s new Sensitive Skin formula, returned to her native Dominican Republic in September 2009 to deliver a year’s supply of clean drinking water to villages with severe water contamination.
“I was thrilled to be back in my home country to help COVERGIRL deliver clean drinking water,” she says. “I know firsthand that a shortage of safe drinking water can be a matter of life or death. When I was growing up, at times we had to boil our water before drinking it so we didn’t get sick or worse.
COVERGIRL is also hosting an online contest to submit a short video. According to their press release, the video should explain how you can give back to make the world a better place, and why this makes you beautiful, inside and out.
And for every entry received, COVERGIRL will provide one week’s worth of clean drinking water to a child in need. Entrants also have a chance to win a humanitarian trip to Africa as part of the next Clean Makeup for Clean Water mission.
Please go to www.covergirl.com/cleanforclean to enter and learn more about the COVERGIRL Clean Makeup for Clean Water Campaign and to see how a water purifier works, visit www.csdw.org.
Please visit www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands, including COVERGIRL.
Thursday, January 14th, 2010 | Haute Press, News, Philanthropy
Haiti Earthquake Relief: How You Can Help
By Jessica
When the earth shook and devastated the South of Haiti, including the capital, Port-au-Prince, the whole world felt the aftershock. We all watched in horror as roads, bridges and buildings collapsed, hillsides flattened, people were displaced and countless lives were lost. Days later, we are heartbroken by images of the bodies of lifeless children buried beneath the rubble—and even sadder to learn that the damaging aftereffects of the earthquake have only just begun.
Singer/producer Wyclef Jean, one of first to aid victims, said this the night of the earthquake: “I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now.”
President Barack Obama echoed his sentiments, promising the traumatized nation that the world will unite to help them in the wake of this natural disaster. “To the people of Haiti, we say clearly and with conviction, you will not be forgotten. In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you. The world stands with you,” said President Barack Obama.
Here, at POSHGLAM, we are doing everything in our power to bring aid to our Haitian brothers and sisters rattled by this 7.0-magnitude earthquake, and we respectfully urge you to do the same. Whether you donate to the American Red Cross or set aside time to volunteer with the Forgotten Children of Haiti, every effort will help bring immediate relief to the people of Haiti.
We’ve listed a few legit charitable organizations that have directed their efforts toward bringing aid to quake-ravaged Haiti. Here’s how you can get involved:
-Donate to the American Red Cross, who is contributing an initial $200,000 to provide food, water, shelter and medical services to Haiti immediately. Click here to make a contribution.
- Text “Yele” to 501501 to donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Foundation, begun by Haiti native, Wyclef Jean. The donation will be automatically charged to your cell phone bill. You can also donate here.
-Help the Forgotten Children of Haiti, a 17-year old charity that is sending out 55-gallon drums to Haiti, full of canned foods, water bottles, clothes, shoes and more. Contribute monetary donations (one drum costs $153) or volunteer to help with the tedious work of sorting and packing goods. For more information and drop-off locations, join the Facebook group “Forgotten Children of Haiti,” visit their website or contact: Marie-Noelle Espositomarienoelle@helpfch.org and Michael Espositomichaelesposito@helpfch.org.
-Use social media for good. Several hoaxes are being spread via Twitter concerning Haiti relief efforts, one claiming that the UPS is sending boxes under 50 pounds to Haiti for free. (UPS is actually donating $1 million to relief efforts, according to CNN). Make sure news briefs and volunteer organizations are valid before advertising or contributing to their efforts. For legit Twitter news regarding Haiti, follow @Wyclef, @YeleHaiti, @CNNBrk and finally @HaitiGoodNews, which tweets the names of people who have been reported safe so family and friends can be aware and to spread hope to others.
-Go to the website, One People One Haiti, for a list of legit charities providing relief to Haiti and information about when aide shipments are leaving the US for Haiti. The site also provides a support system for people with loved ones who have been and are being affected. For more information on the site and their upcoming fundraiser in NYC, email help@onepeopleonehaiti.org and follow the group “Haiti Cherie- We will prevail” on Facebook.
Photo Courtesy of CNN.
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 | Accessories, Fashion Week, News, Philanthropy, Toronto
Empire state of mind
By Zoe
POSHGLAM reported on these oh-so-wicked GEOX shoes here, a specially crafted heel with the iconic Empire State Building as inspiration.
These one of a kind “prototypes” are hand crafted in Italy and quite a showstopper for the spring/summer ’10 collections in Milan. The midnight blue sequined shoe pays homage to lovely Empire State Building, with a towering 4.7 inch, rhinestone embellished heel the soul is still state of the art GEOX breathable, lightweight and waterproof.
The shoe is being auctioned to Canadian women, and all proceeds are being donated to Dress for Success, an international not for profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire and career development tools.
“GEOX is happy to contribute to the wellbeing of women who want the best for themselves and their families,” says GEOX chairman Mario Moretti Polegato.
Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success provides each client with work appropriate outfits when she has a job interview. Dress for Success currently operates in 75 cities around the world including Toronto.
“Thanks to GEOX, the funds from this auction will help us to continue to provide Canadian women with the tools they need to further their careers and succeed in life,” explains Jessica Roelink, Executive Director of Dress for Success Toronto.
To place your bid on the Empire State Building shoes visit www.ebay.ca after Feburary 26 and search “Geox shoe benefiting Dress for Success”.
For more on GEOX please visit www.geox.com.
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 | Celebs, Fashion, News, Philanthropy, Shop
Lutz & Patmos Teams with Natalia Vodionova and Gives Back
By Samantha
Lutz & Patmos has become an instant fashion favorite for its contemporary lines and sophisticated aesthetic. In the past couple of years, the brand has grown exponentially, and the clothes have just gotten better and better.
Most recently, the designers of the brand teamed with supermodel Natalia Vodianova in a design collaboration after our own hearts, and we think yours too. The team worked to create a sleek Italian double-knit dress that can be worn in two very different ways. The two versions of the dress are a long strapless look and a funnel neck sheath style.
In these economic times, there is no better feeling than getting more bang for your buck. And with this two-way style dress, you get just that: two fantastic dresses for the price of one. Plus, the style is convenient for travel, giving you more options in your suitcase.
The best part of the collaboration is that $50 of the proceeds from each dress will be donated to Vodianova’s charity, Naked Heart, which she started with her husband to build play areas for less fortunate children in Russia. The dress is available for $495 at Barneys and online at Lutz and Patmos.
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 | Accessories, Celebs, News, Philanthropy, Shop
Cats, Dogs and Elephants, Oh My! Jewels for Charity
By Samantha
Fantasy Jewelry Box is a recessionista-friendly e-commerce site that brings consumers fabulous jewelry for under $200. The site has always been a huge philanthropy supporter, and is now donating 10% of the proceeds of various pieces to several charities.
While many charities are expected to come on board in the new year, two celebrity-endorsed charities for animals are already involved. There are a total of six pieces being sold for these charities, with the retail prices between $19.95 and $71.95. A great jewelry find and a buy that supports charity is a win/win for people and their furry friends.
The Lange Foundation, one of Oprah’s favorite charities, saves impounded animals such as dogs and cats in hopes of finding them a new home with loving owners. Purchase one of three adorable jewels to help these beloved animals find a home: a crystal paw-print pin, a sterling silver charm bracelet with dog-shaped dangles and a sterling silver dog pendant necklace.
The Elephant Sanctuary is a Tennessee-based, non-profit sanctuary that supports a 2,700 acre piece 
of land in order to house endangered Asian and African elephants. The sanctuary provides a loving, safe and stable home for abused and/or neglected elephants, with many of them coming from the circus. Cameron Diaz is a fan of the organization, as she campaigned for Flora the elephant to be sent to the sanctuary. Support these large yet loving animals by purchasing an elephant embossed ring, bracelet or pendant necklace.
To shop and view the rest of the items, visit Fantasy Jewelry Box.
For more information about the charities, visit The Lange Foundation and The Elephant Sanctuary.
Elie Tahari and Sue Devitt Shopping Event | NYC 
To Market, To Market, To Market We Go 
Jason Wu for TSE Fall 2010 
The Twentyten: A New Name in Fashion 
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